We, as adults, know that reading is the foundation of
learning. You can not learn history, geography, a foreign language or
mathematics if you can not read. This should be inoculated to children, but in a
less 'serious' way. Therefore it is good for children to see us reading books,
newspapers, reports and even subtitles to a movie as often as possible. They
will realise by themselves how important it is to know how to read. As with
many other aspects of learning a close partnership between home and school is
essential. Therefore parents as well as teachers play an important role in
laying the foundations of reading and this should not be made a burden for
the child. Reading should be fun.
Here are some ideas on how to make reading a pleasure with your
child/children:
1. Cuddle up and read. Quiet times together
are opportunities to bond...and read. The cuddling can be as important as the
reading. Make it exciting: put some drama into your voice or let your child read
every other page. As you go, explain any new words or ideas.
2. Make your kitchen part of your "reading
zone". Have fridge magnets available so children can start making
words and short sentences.
3. Words are everywhere – take everyday opportunities
to read with your child. Your child's world is filled with words – on
cereal boxes, street signs, stores, posters etc. Wherever you go, you can
always find new words and point them out.
4. Games can be great learning tools. Board
games or card games such as word bingo or memory and rhyming cards can be a fun
way to learn about words, letter sounds, and reading. They can help children
realise how much fun learning can be. You can even create your own by cutting
out pictures, writing words on cards and getting you child to match them.
5. Computers are reader friendly too! Though
many worry that children may spend too much time on the computer, there are
some great games that help them learn to read and allow them to create their
own stories. Find some child-friendly websites that have games you can play
along with your child.
6. Books make great gifts. Ask family and
friends to give a book instead of a toy as a gift. Make sure to tell them about
your child's reading level and interests. To build up a home library find almost-new
books at garage sales.
7. Subscribe to a magazine. There's no
substitute for the excitement of receiving mail. Let your kids subscribe to
their favourite age-appropriate magazine and watch their eyes light up with the
arrival of each new issue.
8. Be a reading role model. When your children
see you reading, they will want to imitate you. It won't be long until they
learn that reading is fun, interesting, and a "grown up" thing to do.
9. Keep books, magazines and newspapers handy.
Keep a box in the kitchen or living room for easy access.
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